After the blockbuster success of the toys-to-films Transformers and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Hasbro reviewed the catalogue and focused on Battleship as its first game-to-film. Still, the company knew it wouldn’t move forward until a crucial dilemma was resolved: how to logically transfigure a beloved property into a cohesive and entertaining motion picture.

Discussing the reasons to tackle this ambitious project with Berg’s team and Stuber, Goldner explains: “Battleship is a global brand that has been enjoyed for nearly 40 years in more than 30 countries. It’s known as ‘Battleship,’ or ‘Naval Battles,’ everywhere around the world. People know the game play and understand the face-off nature of it. We knew we could take its compelling elements and play them out in a reimagined manner. Plus, we believed that bringing the alien element into the property would make it contemporary and very universal.”

At its core, according to the producer, is a story of strategy that engages audiences. Goldner reflects: “No matter whom you’re playing in ‘Battleship,’ you’re sizing your opponent up, both from a personality standpoint as well as strategically. It was that face-off that intrigued us, because that’s the mark of the brand and what has made the game popular around the globe for so many years. That sense that you and your opponent are strategizing against the blind reveal is so critical to the game play.

SYNOPSIS. In the Hawaiian Islands, an international naval fleet at Pearl Harbor engage in a dynamic and intense battle against an alien species known as “The Regents.” The aliens come to planet Earth on a mission to build a power source in the ocean. Upon their visit, they come in contact with the naval fleet. The film is also purported to show both sides of the story, from the aliens’ perspective, as well as the humans’ so the audience knows exactly where the opponent’s ships are.

The international cast includes Liam Neeson as Admiral Shane, Taylor Kitsch as Alex Hopper, Alexander Skarsgård as Stone Hopper, Brooklyn Decker as Samantha, Reila Aphrodite as Sam, Rihanna as Raikes, Josh Pence as Chief Moore and Peter MacNicol as Secretary of Defense.

Battleship is a Universal Pictures Presentation directed by Peter Berg and is distributed locally by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. It will be screened in Philippine cinemas starting April 12, 2012.